About the Event
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) organized a high-level session on sustainable energy for data center-led digital development on 4 November 2026, during the 15th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2026) in Accra, Ghana.
As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the growing demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital public infrastructure is increasing the need for reliable and sustainable data centers. However, limited electricity access, high energy costs and environmental considerations present significant challenges to infrastructure development across the continent.
The session presented findings from ECA's study on sustainable energy for data center development and introduced proposed continental guidelines aimed at supporting Member States in planning, financing and operating sustainable digital infrastructure.
The discussion brought together policymakers, private-sector representatives, researchers, academia and digital governance experts to explore practical approaches to integrating clean energy, strengthening policy coordination, mobilizing investment and ensuring that data center development supports local innovation and economic growth.
Objectives
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Present the findings of ECA's study and proposed continental guidelines on sustainable data center development.
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Examine the energy, environmental and infrastructure requirements for expanding Africa's data center ecosystem.
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Discuss policy, regulatory and financing approaches to sustainable digital infrastructure.
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Promote regional cooperation, digital sovereignty and local innovation.
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Gather stakeholder recommendations to inform further refinement of the proposed guidelines.
Key Discussion Areas
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Sustainable energy supply, energy efficiency and water management for data centers.
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Policy harmonization and coordination between digital, energy and environmental institutions.
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Financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships for data center investment.
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Data governance, digital sovereignty and secure cross-border data flows.
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Technical skills development, university-industry partnerships and affordable computing for African startups.
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Environmental sustainability, community benefits and inclusive digital development.
Presenter and Moderator
Mactar Seck, Chief of Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation & Digital Transformation Section, ECA
Panelists
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Kossi Amessinou - Ministry of Economy and Finance, Benin.
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Liz Orembo - International Engagement Lead, Research ICT Africa.
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Abraham Kuuku Sam - Data Policy Advisor, GIZ–African Union Data Governance in Africa Initiative.
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Jimson Olufuye - Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd.
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Edwell Gumbo - Director of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Programme at Universities South Africa
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Lebsework Negash - Director, AAU STARTUPS, Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University, College of Technology and Built Environment
Key Outcomes
The session emphasized the importance of integrating data center expansion with reliable energy supply, responsible water management, coordinated regulatory frameworks and sustainable financing.
Participants highlighted the need for data center investments to deliver broader socioeconomic benefits, including technical skills development, local employment, affordable computing resources and support for African technology enterprises.
The session also provided an opportunity to gather stakeholder perspectives on the proposed continental guidelines. Participants were invited to submit feedback to support their further refinement.
Documents
Recording
Session recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Uv-El1PzY&t=1127s